Latvia issues airspace warning after suspected drone enters eastern region

Latvian authorities issued a public warning on May 19 after a suspected drone was detected in the country’s eastern airspace, prompting emergency alerts, transport disruptions and a statement from President Edgars Rinkēvičs rejecting Russian claims regarding Latvia’s role in regional security matters.

The Latvian National Armed Forces issued a cell broadcast warning covering the municipalities of Preiļi, Rēzekne, Ludza and Krāslava over a potential airspace threat. Residents in Gulbene, Cēsis, Smiltene and Madona also received the alert, Caliber.Az reports via Latvian media.

Colonel Māris Tūtins of the National Armed Forces said a single drone had most likely entered Latvian airspace and was located in the Preiļi region.

Due to the hazard, train service has been suspended in the Krāslava, Preiļi, Ludza, Rēzekne, and Madona municipalities until the hazard has been resolved.

Speaking on the Latvian Radio programme “Pusdiena,” Tūtins said the object was detected shortly before noon.

At around the same time the alert was issued, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs took to social media to declare: "Russia is lying about Latvia allowing any country to use Latvian airspace and territory to launch attacks against Russia or any other country."

By Sabina Mammadli